BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

Transcription

1 BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Programme Specification Primary Purpose: Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose: Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer: The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.

2 Contents Programme Specification 1. Named Awards Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) Awarding Body Teaching Institution Accrediting Body QAA Benchmark Groups Document Control Information Effective Session Author Faculty Department Educational Aims Reference Points Learning Outcomes... 2 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:... 2 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:... 3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:... 3 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements Employability Statement Support for Student Learning Admissions Criteria... 5 A. Academic Admissions Criteria... 5 B. Disability Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching... 5 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 5 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 6 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 6 D. Staff Development Priorities Assessment Strategy Assessment Regulations Role of Externals Indicators of Standards and Quality... 7 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 7 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 7 C. Quality Assurance Agency... 8 D. Others Other Sources of Information... 8

3 Programme Specification 1. Named Awards Accounting with Finance 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) C Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA 6. QAA Benchmark Groups Accounting 7. Document Control Information January Effective Session 2015/16 9. Author Dean Osman 10. Faculty Portsmouth Business School 11. Department Accounting and Financial Management 12. Educational Aims a. The Accounting with Finance Programme: To provide students with a comprehensive and practical knowledge and understanding of accountancy related topics. To provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of finance related topics To enable students to be eligible for exemption from relevant papers set by the professional accounting bodies (above). Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 1

4 To provide students with knowledge and understanding of other business related disciplines. To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment. To provide students with the opportunity to develop key skills To provide students with the knowledge, professional and transferable skills to maximise career and postgraduate study opportunities. 13. Reference Points University of Portsmouth Curricula Framework Document (version 3.2, September 2009) The scholarship and research expertise of academic members of staff QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (if applicable, specify which sections are most applicable, e.g. Collaborative provisions) National Qualifications Framework Subject Benchmark Statements (SBS). Requirements of Professional and/or Statutory Regulatory Bodies Occupational Standards some of the contexts in which Accountancy and Finance can be seen as operating (level one units in Law and Accounting, level two unit in Business Finance). knowledge and understanding of the main current technical language and practices of accountancy in specified jurisdiction (all Accounting units). knowledge and understanding of some of the alternative technical languages and practices of accountancy (level two and level three Accounting units) skills in recording and summarising transactions and other economic events; preparation of financial statements; analysis of the operations of business; financial analysis and projections (all Accounting and Finance units) Knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical evidence concerning the effects of accountancy in at least one of its contexts (level three Finance unit ) 14. Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. Some of the contexts in which accounting and finance can be seen as operating. e.g. the business entity; the capital markets; the public sector 2. Contemporary theories and empirical evidence concerning accounting and finance and the ability to critically evaluate such theories and evidence. 3. Theories and empirical evidence concerning financial management, risk and the operation of capital markets. 4. The main current technical language and practices of accounting and finance in the UK 5. Some of the alternative technical languages and practices of accountancy and finance 6. Structure of the accounting profession and career paths open to accountants and finance specialists 7. Fundamental principles of a range of business functions Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Teaching and learning is achieved by lectures supported by seminars, workshops and surgery sessions. Pastoral support is provided by the Department s personal tutor system, which has strong operational links with the course management team. Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 2

5 Assessment Assessment is typically via a mix of coursework and examination, although some units will be assessed by only one of these modes. Coursework will include case studies, critical analysis through essays, presentations, both orally and through written reports and group work. B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: 1. A capacity for the critical evaluation of arguments and evidence. 2. An ability to analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and, unstructured problems from a given set of data and from data which must be acquired by the student. 3. Capacity for independent and self-managed learning. 4. Numeracy skills, including the ability to manipulate financial and other numerical data and to appreciate statistical concepts at an appropriate level. 5. Ability to work in groups, and other inter-personal skills, including oral as well as written presentation skills. 6. Ability to argue cogently in oral and written form. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Cognitive skills are developed though lectures supported through seminar activities and independent learning. On this pathway, students also apply these skills in the course of their work placement. Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills is typically via a mix of coursework and examinations. Coursework, involving the methods identified above, will be the major mechanism for assessing outcomes B3 and B5. B3 will be further developed, reinforced and consolidated by the compulsory 40 credits of independent learning that students will take in the final stage of the programme. C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: 1. Skills in recording and summarising transactions and other economic events; preparation of financial statements; analysis of the operations of business. 2. Ability to locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources, including the acknowledgement and referencing of sources. 3. Skills in the use of communications and information technology in acquiring, analysing and communicating information. 4. Communication skills including the ability to present quantitative and qualitative information, together with analysis, argument, and commentary, in a form appropriate to the intended audience. 5. Ability to update professional knowledge using resources on the internet. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Practical skills are developed through independent learning reinforced by individual and groupbased seminar and workshop activities Assessment Whilst some of the above skills can be assessed through examinations, coursework will be of particular importance in assessing professional skills. Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 3

6 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: 1. Communications 2. Information Technology 3. Problem solving 4. Application of Number 5. Improving own learning and performance 6. Working with others Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Seminar and workshop activities across the programme will provide the primary mechanisms for the development of transferable and key skills Assessment D1 and D5 will be assessed in units across the programme. D6 will be assessed through group presentations and other group work activities. 15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of learning. Each level comprises a minimum of 120 credits. Units are offered as 20 credits. The final year dissertation is a 40 credit unit. Accounting is offered as a three year or four-year pathway. It is divided into three taught stages. Each of the three stages corresponds to an academic level. The four-year pathway version includes a work placement in the 3 rd year. To be awarded the degree "in sandwich mode" students must complete an approved work placement of at least 48 weeks and submit and pass the reflective report. 16. Employability Statement The five strands to the University s employability strategy are supported by: We offer the opportunity to train in debt counselling with the Citizen s Advice Bureau. The Workbased Financial Project offers opportunities to do accounting work for clients. Career Management Skills are embedded in the curriculum. This forms part of the personal tutoring programme where we address subjects such as CV writing and preparing for interviews. A year s work placement is offered as part of this programme. The Portsmouth Business School has its own specialised placement office. This is in addition to the service offered by Purple Door Links with employers are established within the placement programme and also through the annual careers fair. In addition there is a mentoring programme available with industry specialists. There are opportunities to study a language at level two in the programme; these can be selected from the wide range of language units offered by IWLP. Languages include French, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and Mandarin. Personal Development Planning including the identification and review of skills is delivered at all levels of study as part of the personal tutoring system. Wednesday afternoon is kept free of formal tuition so that students may participate in the range of sports and other special interest clubs offered by the university. Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 4

7 17. Support for Student Learning The Course is managed by a Course Leader. Collaborative programmes are managed on a day-to-day basis by the University Contact who may or may not be the Course Leader. The Combined Honours Degree is managed bya Course Leader from one subject area and a Deputy Course Leader from the other. Extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course. Each student has a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance. University support services include careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc. The Academic Skills Unit (ASK). The Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC). Excellent library facilities. The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections. Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations etc. Feedback is provided for all assessments. Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards. 18. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria Students are recruited with a variety of different qualifications. General guidance: A-levels: 300 points from a maximum of three A levels or equivalent (equivalent qualifications could include AVCE/AVCEDA, BTEC Nationals Award, Certificate, Diploma). Five GCSEs A-C, including Mathematics and English at Grade B or above. Professional qualifications & experience: considered positively Access courses Other qualifications Mature students International students IELTS requirements minimum IELTS 6.0 certification for students whose first language is not English. If appropriate, prior learning may be assessed and accredited. B. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Course Leader s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review. Head of Department s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review. Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies. Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme. Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 5

8 Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports. Periodic Programme Review. Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees. National Student Survey. Staff Performance and Development Review. Peer Review and Development Framework. Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee. B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery. Course Leader for day-to-day running of course. Deputy Course Leader for day-to-day running of Combined Honours route. University Contact for day-today running of course. Partner Institution Academic Contact. Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course. Combined Honours Management Board. Head of Undergraduate Programmes. Associate Dean (Academic). Associate Dean (Students). Quality Assurance Committee. Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners. C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies. Student Staff Consultative Committees. Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires. University participates in external student surveys, eg National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB). D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance. Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs. Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes. New academic staff required to undertake PgCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership. Academic staff new to teaching required to undertake Initial Professional Development Programme (iprof). Support Staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages. 20. Assessment Strategy All assessments for core units on this programme are considered to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter relating to the degree programme (PSD Section 10.2 A). Some assessments lend themselves more readily to the development and demonstration of cognitive skills (PSD Section 10.2 B). Others provide evidence of practical, professional and subject specific skills (PSD Section 10.2 C). Most assessments will Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 6

9 provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the achievement of transferable and key skills (PSD Section 10.2 D). Consideration of this has been given at each level whilst acknowledging that there is a rising expectation of the development of these skills as the programme progresses. Assessments at level one typically include formative assessments such as essay writing and group presentations. These provide students with the opportunity to plan their own learning, manage their time effectively and become familiar with the University Library which includes assessing on-line materials. The group presentations allow students to gain experience of working collaboratively in teams, respecting the views of others and gaining confidence in putting forward their own ideas. Summative assessments come in the form of in-class tests and examinations. These allow students to demonstrate their recall and synthesis of information, factual knowledge and ability to work under pressure. At level two students are assessed on longer essays for example the dissertation proposal. This provides them with the opportunity to develop the intellectual skills of evaluation, knowledge and analysis. Presentations continue to provide opportunities to develop further collaborative skills, an understanding of group dynamics and an analysis of the individual student s role in that process. Summative assessments become longer in duration in accordance with University guidelines. This allows students further opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and their ability to work under pressure. At level three students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and engage analytically with the subject matter An example of this is the 10,000-12,000 word dissertation option. The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to develop self management skills of sustained substantial piece of work. This includes skills of researching, analysing, documenting and evaluating. Other units based on independent study offer similar opportunities. 21. Assessment Regulations Standard university rules apply (see Assessment and Regulations). 22. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards; approve unit assessment strategy; sample assessment artefacts; present report to Unit Assessment Boards. Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards; scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment; ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom. 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition Accreditation by the ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) PDSQR Accounting March 2010 Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 7

10 C. Quality Assurance Agency QAA Higher Education Review, March 2015, judgements about standards and quality meet UK expectations. For full report see Higher Education Review of the University of Portsmouth, March 2015 D. Others None. 24. Other Sources of Information Other sources of information may be found in Course Approval Document. Student Handbook. University of Portsmouth Curricula Framework. University of Portsmouth Undergraduate Prospectus. Assessment Regulations. University of Portsmouth ( and (insert School/Department) website. Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance Page 8

11 Unit Assessment Map UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery 4 Business Law for Accountants P Standard 4 Economics for Accountancy P Standard Core/ Option Total Type of Artefact Duration/ Length Weighting Total Open/ Closed Duration (hrs) Weighting Core 30 Problem question 1000 words Closed 2 hrs 70 Core 20 Portfolio/Online Exercises Closed 2 hrs 70 4 Essentials of Financial Accounting P Standard 4 Organisational Management Accounting P Standard 4 Quantitative Methods for Accountants P Standard Core 30 Formative weekly online tests Seminar participation and preparation Core 30 Group coursework and individual reflective summary in which teams will work with SimVenture - a business simulation words max Closed 2 hrs Closed 2 hrs 70 Core 30 Portfolio of applied techniques 1000 words Closed 2 hrs 70 4 Toolbox for Accounting Professionals U Standard Core 100 IT and Academic skills tasks (pass/fail) Report, Group presentation and Sage exercise Attendance of min. of 6 out of 8 group tutorials [Pass/fail] Financial Reporting P Standard Core 30 Seminar preparation & participation Group report 2000 words Closed 3 hrs 70 5 Operational Management Accounting P Standard Core 30 Time constrained assignments undertaken within scheduled classes. 1,000 words Closed 3 hrs 70 Individual weekly assessment of preparatory work 15 5 Financial Management P Standard Core 30 Individual essay 1000 words Closed 3 hrs 70 Unit Assessment Map for Accounting with Finance Page 1

12 participation online tests 10 UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery 5 Corporate Governance, Financial Crime, Ethics & Controls P Standard 5 Personal Finance U Standard Core/ Option Total Type of Artefact Core 30 Seminar preparation & participation Individual Essay Attendance at individual and group tutorials [Pass/fail] Duration/ Length 1500 words Weighting Total Open/ Closed Duration (hrs) Weighting 70 Closed 3 hrs 70 Option 50 Personal Finance Portfolio 2000 words Closed 1.5 hrs 50 5 Accounting Packages & Systems U Standard Option 100 Portfolio generated while imputing the accounts for a company 1500 words 50 5 Taxation for Accounting Programmes P Standard 5 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems U Standard 5 Principles of Operations and Marketing Management P Standard 5 Financial Markets and Institutions U Standard 5 Business Law for accountants P Standard campus Report on aspects of Information Systems Option 30 Seminar preparation & participation Group presentation Option 100 Preparation of decision support system for accounting transactions using Microsoft excel and office (group or individual) office Practical SAP processing exercise (pass /fail) Report on selection of suitable systems for a business start up Option 30 2 Group presentations (one on marketing, one on operations) Option 50 Individual report on core market concepts, analytical approaches and theories. Option for level 5 DE only 2500 words up to 1000 words Portfolio Portfolio 2,500 words Closed 3 hrs minutes each Closed 3 hrs 70 2,000 words Closed 1.5 hours Problem question 1000 words Closed 2 hrs 70 Unit Assessment Map for Accounting with Finance Page 2

13 5 Language Option 6 Accounting for Strategic Management & Control P Standard Core 30 Individual report Weekly preparatory work 1000 words Closed 3 hrs 70 6 Advanced Financial Accounting P Standard Core 30 Essay Seminar preparation & participation 1700 words Closed 3 hrs 70 6 Accounting & Finance Dissertation U Independent Option 100 Dissertation Participation at individual and dissertation tutorials 10,000words [Pass/fail] Unit Assessment Map for Accounting with Finance Page 3

14 UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credit Delivery 6 Work Based Financial Project U Independent Core/ Option Total Type of Artefact Duration/ Length Weighting Option 100 Portfolio 4000 words 100 Total Open/ Closed Duration (hrs) Weighting 6 Independent for Accountants U Independent 6 International Financial Management U Standard Option 100 Project Attendance at group tutorials [Pass/fail] Option 30 Assignment covering all of the learning outcomes 4000 words words Closed 2 hrs 70 6 Auditing P Standard Option 30 Group presentation 20 minutes Closed 3 hrs 70 6 Advanced Financial Management P Standard Core 30 Four onl;ine quizzes An individual stock market trading assignment using the Bloomberg facility, requiring critical analysis of the trading strategies applied 2000 words & Closed 3hrs 70 6 International Accounting U Standard Option 100 Written project on a country study or a topic in international accounting including a presentation. Periodic online tests examining basic principles and topics covered at intervals 2500 words Social Financial Practitioner U Independent Option 100 Completion of training and 100 hours attendance at CAB Pass/Fail 0P/F Social policy essay 3,500 words 60 6 Accounting Work Based Learning U Independent Research report Option 100 Work based learning contract /proposal. Reflective summary of WBL Academic commentary 6,000 words 40 1,000 words Unit Assessment Map for Accounting with Finance Page 4

15 6,000 words 50 Unit Assessment Map for Accounting with Finance Page 5

16 Unit Learning Outcomes Map 1 BA Accounting with Finance UNITS Level Name Code Credit Delivery 4 Business Law for Accountants P Standard 4 Economics for Accountancy P Standard 4 Essentials of Financial Accounting P Standard 4 Organisational Management Accounting P Standard 4 Quantitative Methods for Accountants P Standard 4 Toolbox for Accounting Professionals U Standard 5 Financial Reporting P Standard 5 Operational Management Accounting P Standard 5 Financial Management P Standard 5 Corporate Governance, Financial Crime, Ethics & Controls P Standard 5 Personal Finance U Standard 5 Accounting Packages & Information Systems U Standard 5 Taxation for Accounting Programmes P Standard 5 Language Standard Core/ Option A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 Core Core Core Core Core Core Core Core Core Core Option Option Option Option 1 A = Knowledge and Understanding; B = Cognitive (Intellectual) Skills; C = Practical (Subject Specific) Skills; D = Transferable Skills Unit Learning Outcomes Map for [Title] Page 1

17 5 Financial Markets and Institutions U Standard 5 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems U Standard 5 Business Law for Accountants P Standard 5 Principles of Operations and Marketing Management 6 Accounting for Strategic Management & Control P Standard P Standard 6 Advanced Financial Accounting P Standard 6 Dissertation U Independent 6 Work Based Financial Project U Independent 6 Independent for Accountants U Independent 6 International Financial Management U Standard 6 Auditing P Standard 6 Advanced Financial Management P Standard 6 International Accounting U Standard 6 Social Financial Practitioner U Independent 6 Accounting Work Based Learning U Independent Option Option Option Option Core Core Standard A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 Option Option Option Option Option Core Option Option Option Unit Learning Outcomes Map for [Title] Page 2